Mitsubishi Repair: timing belts, interference engines, mitsubishi engines

Question
Query!!! Will a mitsubishi 4g94 2003 model lancer 2L sohc free wheel without internal damage if timing belt severes!!! Will valves be damaged by pistons or will they clear as many petrol engines do!!! Other mitsubishi engines do spin quite freely if belts let go!!!

Answer
Andrew,
Most Mitsubishi engines are interference engines.  In these types of engines, if your timing belt snaps then you'll surely damage your valves and pistons.  There are some Mitsubishi sohc engines were not considered interference because there is clearance between the valves and pistons during most of the 4-stroke cycle, but damages can still be caused.  

If your belt has snapped, you should perform a compression test to see if the compression is still within spec, you should be ok.  If not, you should have the head inspected and rebuilt is necessary.
Good luck!